Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer With These 5 Spring Maintenance Steps

Mar 03, 2016

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While the storms still rage and the snow still falls, you may not think much about your air conditioner. But before you can begin to enjoy the higher temperatures of spring and summer, you have to ensure that your HVAC system can take the heat.

The best time to prepare your air conditioner for summertime is during early- to mid-spring. Taking maintenance measures before the season starts ensures that your unit works smoothly and efficiently as soon as you flip the switch from “heat” to “cool.”

In this blog, we list five maintenance tasks to add to your spring cleaning list. These steps will help you account for any winter damage and prepare for the rigors of spring and summer cooling.

1. Check Your Filters

The high wind that accompanies winter’s chill can leave your air filters dusty, covered in debris, or even damaged. You should change your filters annually or as needed, so consider spring the perfect time to check them for wear or rips.

If all filters remain intact, remove them and vacuum the surface or wash the screen with soapy water to ensure the air entering your home is clean.

2. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Wind, falling debris, and deep snow built up around the unit can all damage your outdoor air conditioning component. As the snow clears, take a look at your outdoor unit. Check for any missing or crooked panels.

These panels keep the electrical portion of your air conditioner safe and reduce the risk of electrical and fire hazards. Replace any damaged or missing panels. If you notice any potential damage to the interior electrical system, call a certified air conditioning technician.

Do not attempt to reconfigure, repair, or replace your A/C’s interior systems yourself—this can lead to serious injury or unit damage.

3. Have the Hoses and Coils Inspected

In addition to visually inspecting the unit yourself, take this opportunity to have your unit inspected professionally. Ask your HVAC expert to look over the components you can’t access easily, including the hoses, coolant lines, and ductwork.

Ask the professional to inspect the coils as well, since they often need cleaning or repair after winter.

4. Clean the Vents and Grills

Don’t just consider the unit itself as you prepare for the summer. You should also evaluate the state of your vents and grill inside your home. You may want to remove and clean your vent covers to get rid of any buildup that happened during the winter.

This step can improve your air quality as well as your unit’s cooling efficiency.

5. Test the Unit Before You Need It

Finally, once you complete the previous steps, give your unit a test run before you really need it. This test gives you a chance to get the unit up and running smoothly before the first real heat wave.

As you run your unit initially, pay attention to its performance. Does it make any strange noises, smell abnormal, or have trouble putting out cold air? Address these problems with a professional during the spring to ensure you have them taken care of before you need the unit on a daily basis.

If you aren’t sure how to do any of the steps listed above or worry that you haven’t checked everything, reach out to your trusted HVAC technician. This professional can help you complete your springtime checklist safely, effectively, and thoroughly.

Follow the guidelines listed above to ensure that you aren’t left with a busted air conditioner the first time the temperature skyrockets this summer.

For more information about maintaining, improving, and optimizing your heating, air conditioning, and air quality systems, read our other blog posts.